7 Prominent Kenyan Journalists Who've Died in 2024

Six months into 2024, Kenya's media industry has seen a number of its best talents pass away. 

The deaths have caused grief in the country and robbed newsrooms of some of their talented and award-winning journalists. 

In this article, we outline some of the prominent journalists and media personalities who died in the country as of June 2024:

Michael Oyier 

The veteran journalist and Public Relations (PR) expert died on 20 April 2024 while receiving treatment at a city hospital.

The late journalist was buried on 3 May 2024 at their family home in Homa Bay County.

Oyier left behind eight children.

Rita Tinina

The late NTV Kenya journalist was found dead at her home in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, on 17 March 2024. 

Autopsy results indicated that she died from severe pneumonia.

She was laid to rest on 27 March 2024 at their family home in Noosupeni Farm, Narok County.

She left behind her 8-year-old daughter, Mia Malaika. 

Njambi 'Jahmby' Koikai

Media personality and renowned reggae MC Njambi' Jahmby' Koikai died on 3 June 2024 while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital. 

The veteran reggae host has been battling endometriosis for an extended period, during which she underwent several surgical procedures.

Her death elicited massive reactions, with Kenyans mourning her as an inspiration in the entertainment and media industry.

Jahmby became a household name in the country thanks to her exemplary MC skills, especially on reggae shows. She has also hosted several radio stations, such as Metro and Q FM.

She was also featured on The Trend show as a regular panelist prior to her hospitalization.

Shadrack Mitty

The Standard Group journalist died on 29 May 2024 while receiving treatment at the Kenyatta University Referral Hospital.

According to a statement by his employer, Mitty's condition deteriorated on 28 May 2024, leading to his death the day after.

Until his death, he was a renowned education reporter at the Mombasa Road-based media house.

Sam Makenda

Veteran Baraka FM broadcaster Sam Makenda died on 16 May 2024, aged 52.

Baraka FM reported that Makenda died while receiving treatment at Machakos Hospital.

Makenda worked for Baraka FM from the year 2000 and left in 2007 to pursue political interests.

During his time at the media house, he hosted a show dubbed Chanja Maswala, which enjoyed a considerable following in the Coastal region.

He has left behind four children.

Dickens Wasonga

The Star newspaper journalist Dickens Wasonga died on 26 January 2024 after being involved in a fatal accident at the Mamboleo flyover on the Kisumu-Kakamega road.

Until his death, he was the chairman of the Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN), a position he held since November 2023.

Prior to joining Radio Africa Group, he worked with Standard, Nation Media, Africa and Press International, among others.

Wasonga left behind his wife, Florence Koki, and two children.

Washington Akumu

Former Nation editor and business journalist Washington Akumu died on 22 April 2024 after suffering a heart attack.

Media reports indicate that Akumu had been diagnosed with cancer of the spine and was undergoing chemotherapy until his demise.

Akumu left the Nation Media Group in 2014 and ventured into public relations.